Sylvia was preceded in death by her parents, Elmer and Thilma Guthmiller, residents of Stockton originally from South Dakota, and her husband's parents, Golden and Julia Hinkley, also Stockton residents, originally from Kansas and Missouri.

A very respected and talented

teacher, Sylvia taught in several Stockton Unified schools, the last two being Tyler Elementary, and Commodore Stockton. Former students would always recognize her and come up to say hello.

Married while her husband, Dick, was in the Air Force, she also taught briefly at a private school in Honolulu, Hawaii. She retired from teaching in 2004 after 42 years of mentoring young children. She loved to read, and could devour most books in one day. An excellent crafter, she crocheted throws and prayer shawls which she donated to cancer patients and the Cancer Society.

A private burial took place at

Cherokee Memorial Park on Friday, June 21, 2013. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Hospice of San Joaquin.